Chanel: Collections and Creations

Before I fell head-over-heels for fashion, I was deeply in love with reading. As an adolescent, I'm proud to say that although I had only a handful of friends, I never spent a weekend bored, restless, or alone. Magazines, memoirs, and novels were some of my closest companions, and for good reason - these words and images were there through thick and thin, and always available to take my mind on a fantastic journey or necessary escape from the real world. It was through my love of magazines in particular that I developed an affinity for fashion. The glossy pages of Vogue and the Saks Fifth Avenue catalog introduced me to a world that was continually evolving and constantly alluring. Luckily, there is a huge overlap between fashion and literature, as shown in this impressive hardback coffee table book. Author Daniele Bott has compiled a brilliant, visually stunning collection of all-things Chanel. The book explores five central themes of Chanel - the suit, the camellia, jewelry, fragrances, and make-up - using exquisite photography and thoroughly researched essays. However, as a fair warning, you should know that with each turn of a page comes either a quick intake of breath or an exhilarated squeal. It's impossible to react calmly to the plentiful images of vintage Chanel ads, candids of Coco in action, and close-ups of couture cosmetics. I can't wait to spend this winter reading up on the history and evolution of Chanel, thanks to this book's comprehensive capsulization of France's finest house of fashion. -Annie, Fashion Writer